HATCH TABLE

Abstract

A hatch table for mounting over a hatch in a deck of a boat. The hatch table protects the hatch from accidental damage such as a person walking over the hatch. The hatch table includes four walls of dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the hatch so that the four walls closely fit around the hatch. A tabletop is mounted over the four walls.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hatch table, and more particular, the present invention relates to a table that can be mounted over a hatch in boat's bow area.

BACKGROUND

The front areas in large boats, referred to as bow area, are used for relaxing and sunbathing. The use of bow area for sunbathing is quite popular for many. Also, the bow pads are used over the bow area for cushioning against hard surface of the bow. The use of bow area has a limitation, however. The bow has windows, referred to as hatches. Through the hatches, storage area of the boat can be accessed from the deck. The hatch is typically a window or covering that includes delicate components such as glass and rubber seal. Persons using the deck area for relaxing or sunbathing may often land over a hatch. The weight of the person may cause cracks in the glass or damage the seals or may cause any other damage. When using the bow pads, the chances of person walking over a hatch increasing that may hurt the person and damage the window.

A need is therefore appreciated for a novel apparatus that overcomes the aforesaid problems with using bow pads on a boat deck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The principal object of the present invention is therefore directed to a hatch table that can be mounted over a hatch.

It is another object of the present invention that the hatch table can be used for placing articles.

In is still another object of the present invention that the hatch table ensures proper ventilation.

It is yet another object of the present invention that the hatch table provides an aesthetic appearance.

It is a further object of the present invention that the hatch table can retrofit.

It is an additional object of the present invention that the hatch table is economical to manufacture.

It is still an additional object of the present invention that the hatch table securely fits around the hatch.

It is still a further object of the present invention that the hatch table is easy to install and replace.

In one aspect, disclosed is a hatch table for mounting over a hatch in a deck of a boat, the hatch table comprises four walls of dimensions corresponding to dimensions of the hatch, wherein the four walls closely fit around the hatch; and a tabletop mounted over the four walls. The hatch table further comprises a skirt that extends upwards from a periphery of the tabletop, the skirt extends perpendicularly from a surface of the tabletop. The hatch table further comprises a tray mounted over the tabletop and encased within the skirt. The tray comprises receptacles.

In one aspect, disclosed is a method for protecting hatches in a deck of a boat, the method comprises providing a hatch table. The hatch table comprises four walls of dimensions corresponding to dimensions of the hatch, wherein the four walls closely fit around the hatch, and a tabletop is mounted over the four walls. The method further comprises mounting the hatch table over the hatch. The method further comprises cutting a bow pad along the hatches to form a slot in the bow pad, wherein the bow pad is laid over the deck of the boat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top and side perspective view of a hatch table, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the hatch table, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom and side perspective view of the hatch table, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the hatch table with a tray on top, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

Disclosed is a hatch table that can be mounted over hatches on the deck of a boat. The hatch table protects the hatch including glass cover and seals from accidental damage, such as a person walking over the hatch. Moreover, the hatch table provides a platform for placing articles, such as bottles, cups, buckets, jugs, bowls, and the like. The hatch table thus has multiple utilities at the same time providing an aesthetic appearance. A user can use large bow pads covering the bow of the boat without worrying about accidental damage to the hatches. The bow pads can be cut along the hatches, thus covering a major area of the bow, while the hatch table can provide an elevated and secured platform for holding bottles, cans, and cups.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 show different views of the hatch table. The hatch table 100 includes four upstanding walls 110 that together form the main structure of the hatch table. The four walls are made according to the dimensions of the hatch. The width of the four walls corresponds to the width of the hatch walls so that the hatch table surrounds the hatch. Preferably, the four walls can closely fit around the hatch so that the hatch table can be fixedly coupled and secured to the hatch. height of the four walls can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the height can be according to the intended use or needs of the user.

The hatch table further has a tabletop 120 mounted over the four walls. The tabletop can be used to place any article thereon. A skirt 160, shown in FIG. 3, extends from a periphery or near the periphery of the tabletop. The skirt extends upwards forming a surrounding barrier around the tabletop.

The walls of the hatch table further have multiple vents 140 therein that allow a good flow of air through the hatch. Ventilation of the storage area below the hatch may be a requirement and the vents in the walls of the hatch table maintain the proper flow of air and thus ventilation. Vents of different shapes and sizes can be provided to facilitate air flow. For example, the drawings show two sides of the hatch table having multiple rectangular shapes and smaller vents disposed in parallel rows equally spaced apart from each other. The other two walls have a single large hole. It is to be understood that the drawings only show an embodiment of the hatch table, and the vents including their number, shape, and size can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The drawings also show four flanges 130 that extend from the four walls respectively, the flanges extend from the bottom periphery of the walls and perpendicular to the respective wall. The flanges can provide additional protection to the hatch and also help keep the hatch table stable.

Referring to FIG. 4 which shows a tray 170 mounted over the tabletop. The trap can be encased within the tabletop and the skirt of the tabletop, securing the tray over the table tap. The tray includes multiple receptacles 180 of different sizes. Articles can be placed within the receptacles. Also, bottles, cans, cups, and the like can be put into the receptacles, wherein the receptacles may firmly hold the same preventing tipping over.

The hatch table can be made from any suitable material, such as plastic and wood. Preferably, the material used in making the disclosed hatch table can be waterproof and weatherproof. Weather-resistant coatings can also be applied over the surface of hatch table. The coatings for aesthetic appearance can also be applied.

The hatch table can be secured to the hatch using suitable fasteners. For example, the drawings show the hatch table having holes 150 near the bottom corners. Through these holes, tie rods can pass through for fastening the hatch table to the hatch. It is understood, however, that any suitable fastening mechanism for securing the disclosed hatch table to the hatch or a supporting structure near the hatch is within the scope of the present invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A hatch table for mounting over a hatch in a deck of a boat, the hatch table comprises: four walls of dimensions corresponding to dimensions of the hatch, wherein the four walls closely fit around the hatch; anda tabletop mounted over the four walls.

2. The hatch table according to claim 1, wherein the hatch table further comprises: a skirt extends upwards from a periphery of the tabletop, the skirt extends perpendicularly from a surface of the tabletop.

3. The hatch table according to claim 2, wherein the hatch table further comprises: a tray mounted over the tabletop and encased within the skirt.

4. The hatch table according to claim 3, wherein the tray comprises receptacles.

5. A method for protecting hatches in a deck of a boat, the method comprises: providing a hatch table comprising: four walls of dimensions corresponding to dimensions of the hatch, wherein the four walls closely fit around the hatch, anda tabletop mounted over the four walls; andmounting the hatch table over the hatch.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein a skirt extends upwards from a periphery of the tabletop, the skirt extends perpendicularly from a surface of the tabletop.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the hatch table further comprises: a tray mounted over the tabletop and encased within the skirt.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the tray comprises receptacles, the method further comprises: putting a utility container into a receptacle of the receptacles, wherein a bottom portion of the utility container is secured within the receptacle, the utility container comprises a cup, a bowl, a bottle, and glasses.